According to a note published on the official website of the Presidency of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa "sent to the President of the Swiss Confederation his expression of solidarity with the Swiss people, and in particular the Canton of Valais, for the tragedy that marked the New Year, causing so many deaths and injuries at a time that should have been one of joy and hope."

Police estimate dozens of deaths as a result of the fire and about one hundred injured, many of whom are in serious condition.

According to the commander of the Valais Cantonal Police, the fire started around 1:30 am local time (00:30 in Lisbon), after several explosions were recorded at the New Year's Eve party at the Le Constellation bar.

Police have not yet revealed the cause of the fire, but have ruled out the possibility of an attack.